Travel cost and time savings – There are no travel costs for bringing remote employees to a centralized workshop because the Web is available from the desktop. And according to the report “Return on Investment and Multimedia Training” the actual time required for training by computer averages about 50% that of instructor-led training, lowering costs further.
What are the Disadvantages of Web-Based Training?
Bandwidth limitations – Limited bandwidth means slower performance for sound, video, and intensive graphics, causing long waits for download that can affect the ease of the learning process. The problem is greater over the public Internet where more traffic jams occur, and less on a company’s intranet which usually has greater bandwidth. Future technologies will no doubt help to solve this problem.
Are computers replacing human contact? – There’s a general concern that as we move towards more computer usage, a glowing terminal replaces a friendly face. Decreasing instructor-led training makes some trainees uneasy. If this is a concern, consider a gradual introduction of the technology.
Today’s Web-based training programs are too static – As with any emerging technology, the level of interactivity in Web-based training is too-often limited. This is gradually improving, and as it does the impact of the training on performance improves also.
Takes more time and more money to develop than expected – Like any first-time challenge, learning about and implementing new technology takes more resources (and more aspirin) than expected. You can make it easier by starting with a simple program and building on success. Also, remember that the greater portion of costs associated with Web-based training are start-up costs. Programs can be delivered and re-used with fewer costs than with traditional methods.
Not all courses are delivered well by computer – Some training topics are not best served by computer-based training and require a more personal touch. Team building activities and dealing with emotional issues such as downsizing come to mind. Web-based training and other technologies for training are mainly for assisting the learning process and are not for replacing methods that already work well.
What are other related terms for delivering training over a network?
There are other terms for remote access training including Internet-based training, intranet-based training, online training and net-based training.
Internet-based training – any training that can be accessed over the Internet. Usually this is done with the World Wide Web, but e-mail correspondence courses and file transfers also fall into this category.
intranet-based training – training based on a company’s internal network. Web browsers are used to access company pages, but they are only accessible within the company.
online training – an all-encompassing term that refers to any training done with a computer over a network, including a company’s intranet, the company’s local area network, and the Internet.
net-based training – same as online training(1).
Why did you choose to call it Web-based training?
Web-based training and Internet-based training are the two most widely-used and widely-understood terms for this type of training. We conducted a survey of readers of the Multimedia & Internet Training Newsletter as well as the subscribers to our discussion-based mailing list, WEBTRAINING-L to see which term people were using most often. There was no clear first choice and both terms are likely to remain popular. As technology evolves, so does terminology.
What is multimedia training?
Multimedia training is a type of computer-based training that uses two or more media, including text, graphics, animation, audio (sound/music), and video. In practice, multimedia uses as many of these media as is practical to produce a colorful, engaging program delivered via the computer. A typical program allows users to control their progress and pace through the course so everyone can learn at his/her own speed. A catch-phrase that reflects this impact is, “With CBT, we captured their heads; With multimedia we capture their hearts.”
What are some other terms and technologies used for training?
Other technologies include:
Distance learning – in its most common historical form, this refers to a broadcast of a lecture to distant locations, usually through video presentations
Desktop training – any training delivered by computer at one’s desk.
Desktop video conferencing – a real-time conference using live pictures between two or more people on a network who communicate via computer
Interactive training – an umbrella term that includes both computer-based and multimedia training
Computer-assisted instruction – a term used more commonly in education for any instruction where a computer is used as a learning tool
Self-paced training – training which is taken at a time and a pace determined by the user (Hmmm. . . kind of like reading this page, huh?) Used historically for text or audio/video self study courses, the term is used by some organizations now to include computer-based, web-based and multimedia training.
Is this a medium worth investing in?
Yes. More and more information services and programs within organizations are moving to the World Wide Web. The Web can provide the most efficient delivery of information because of its ability to be accessible from anywhere, anytime. and to disseminate a standardized, updatable version to multiple users. Think about this FAQ. We only had to publish it once and store it on our server. If we need to update it, we can just upload another version and you wouldn’t know the difference – if you hadn’t seen the previous version.
With careful attention to instructional design during the development phase, Web training can be a valuable addition to your company’s training and performance support offerings. The future of the Web and Web technologies is long-term and big impact according to all estimates.
What is driving the interest in Web-based training?
New demands in organizations are increasing the interest in Web-based training on a daily basis. The need for less expensive ways to deliver training has led many companies to explore the option of Web-based training. The convenience for users of the programs – at their own pace, at their own place – and the engaging nature of the multimedia delivery are big advantages. The centralized nature of web-delivered training makes the delivery standardized for all users who take the course. Web-based training is often less expensive and more convenient the alternatives. Web-based training is a fascinating new field, which will likely have a vast impact on all professionals in the field. And, well, it’s pretty fun to use and develop for, too.
Where can Web-based training be delivered?
To any computer – anywhere – that can access the Internet or intranet (1).
What hardware is required by the end user?
The basic hardware required for a user to take a Web-based training course is:
A computer fast enough to handle the training program. For Windows computers, a 486 is OK, but Pentium or better is preferred. For Macintosh computers, a 68040-based machine is OK, but a PowerPC is preferred.
A sound card capable of playing back any audio files the training program uses.
A network connection, whether it is a digital line connected directly to the company server, or a modem that can dial in to the Internet. If your training is delivered via the company intranet, for example, your users would not need a separate Internet connection.
What software is required by the end user?
A web browser
Any specialized browser plug-ins or controls that are required by the particular training program, such as to play audio or video files.
Does the end user need the same computer system as the developer?
No. One of the major advantages of Web-based training over other types of computer-based training is cross-platform compatibility. Web browsers can access Web-based training using a language that is platform-independent.
Can you use Web technology on a company’s internal network?
Yes. The same technology used for the Internet exists on many companies’ internal local area network, or intranet. While the public Internet is getting all the publicity in the press, the fastest growing segment of the market for Web browsers and servers are companies’ internal intranets.
What is the difference between the World Wide Web and the Internet?
The Internet includes all electronic transmissions, including e-mail, file transfers, and the Web. The Web is just one part of the Internet, but it is the fastest growing, most promising part, especially as training is concerned.
How do you influence decision-makers to use Web-based training vs. traditional training options?
The costs for a Web-based training program are often lower than those associated with instructor-led training. The biggest stumbling block is often the start-up cost for investment in the technology and development time. But the costs associated with delivery are much lower than for traditional methods.
How can you justify investing in Web-based training?
Significant cost savings have a way of catching management’s attention. Lower training costs result from the reduction in time and resources for delivery, including eliminating the costs of traveling to learning centers.
How can management be assured employees are actually completing the program?
Because Web-based training programs are designed to be “at your own pace,” the importance of tracking a student’s progress is a concern. Many programs have administrative features that keep track of where employees are in the course and how well they are doing.
How do you motivate employees to use Web-based training?
Any motivation strategies you use now for other training can be applied to Web-based training. By using a computer, some reward structures can be automated. In addition, the tracking and reporting available with Web-based training allows you to structure rewards and requirements for completion and mastery. Students will often need to be sold on using something new, and sitting at one’s own computer doesn’t match having free donuts and coffee at a workshop.
How do you help your training staff that is used to instructor-led training (ILT) make the transition and embrace Web-based training?
To make the transition easier for trainers as well as students, some organizations combine elements of Web-based training and ILT for some early programs. There are a variety of new roles and career opportunities for those who are willing to adapt to the new technologies.
What kind of a team is necessary to develop Web-based training?
Teams range from just one, very dedicated person who does it all, to project teams of over 40 professionals.
In general, at a minimum, you will need:
a project manager capable of dealing with diverse work styles and personalities
an instructional designer familiar with computer-delivered instruction
a programmer or author to use the authoring tool
a graphic artist
a subject matter expert
a web master for maintaining the program on the server
and, of course, someone who can obtain funding for Web-based training from management
The people you use, naturally, will have either one or a combination of the above skills, or it may be just that one person who can do it all. Do you know someone like that?
How much multimedia is being used now for Web-based training?
Multimedia on the Web is growing in popularity with languages like Java and plug-ins for authoring tools like Shockwave and Neuron making it possible. Bandwidth is the major limitation and right now, the vision and the potential is greater than the reality.
How about multimedia in the future for Web-based training?
Emerging technologies will provide greater bandwidth (i.e., bigger pipes), and greater compression (i.e., lower fat) for delivering audio and video. It is only a matter of a time before multimedia over a company’s network and the Internet is commonplace. In the meantime, Hybrid CDs, also known as Internet CDs, are an alternative in which the program with audio and video are delivered on a CD-ROM, with updates delivered automatically over the Web.
Think of Detroit in the early-to-mid 1900’s when car makers were trying to figure out basic technologies, such as automatic transmissions and 10-cylinder engines. Everyone knew the problems would get solved eventually and just about everyone was working on it. Once someone hits on a good idea, everyone jumps on board.
How do you determine the appropriate level of interactivity and media?
The type and amount of interactivity required varies with the instructional objectives of a program. It is generally not possible for a program to be “too interactive.” However, it is possible for a program to suffer from too many multimedia bells and whistles. They become gratuitous when they don’t contribute to meeting the instructional objectives.
From an instructional designer’s perspective, how is Internet-based training different from multimedia training?
Designing for the Internet presents a special problem. Connection speeds can be slow and downloads can be long due to factors over which trainers often have no control. Until bandwidth improves, design out most of the “fat media” in the program, especially video. Design in interactivity, discussion, and access to other resources that are part of the benefits of training on line.
From a student perspective, how is Web-based training different from CD-ROM based training?
CD-ROM-based training programs usually have their own unique interface. Web-based training requires a Web browser, so the basic navigation scheme is usually familiar to the student. Students who will be receiving Web-based training should be familiar with how to use a browser. In general, the student should see little difference in the actual training once it has been accessed. If the training is over an intranet, the difference is not very noticeable, but over the Internet, the connection speeds and download times are often much slower than CD-ROMs.
More and more, CD-ROM and the Web are being seen not as two different methods, but as two parts of the same method – content delivery. CD-ROM is useful for intensive media and the Web is useful for information distribution. Combine the two and you have a real solution.
Do I need a learning assistant or facilitator like Microsoft’s Online Learning Institute (MOLI) has as a part of the learning process?
An assistant or facilitator available online can be helpful but your training can be designed without them. An assistant on line can help handle customer service issues or technical problems. A facilitator can help with content issues and can guide discussions. Web-based training -especially within an organization – is usually designed to be a stand-alone process to be taken at any time of the day or night. Even in the latter case, having e-mail access to a webmaster, course manager, or content expert can be helpful.
Can an existing CBT be converted into a Web-based training?
The major authoring tools (described in a later chapter) allow you to create both a stand-alone version of the program, and a Web version of the program. Depending on which authoring tool you use to create a pre-existing CBT program, you may be able to convert most of it for delivery over the Web.
What special programming languages do you have to know to create programs for the Web?
Although you need to be somewhat savvy in all things Web-ish, there are no complicated programming languages you need to learn. In general, you should be familiar with HTML, although this is not required if you are using one of the high-level HTML editors, such as Microsoft’s FrontPage which allows you to create Web pages without knowing HTML. The major authoring programs are nearly the same whether you are developing for CD-ROM or the Web. There are also “object oriented” visual tools for programming with Java, such as Aimtech’s Jamba and Symantec’s Visual Cafe.
How much technical information do I need to know about specific Web languages, like Java?
Java is a programming language that allows the developer to create small applications called applets that control specific aspects of a Web-based training program, such as creating interactive animations. Shockwave is a plug-in for programs developed with Macromedia’s Authorware so these programs can be viewed with a Web browser over the Web. There is also the Neuron plug-in, which allows ToolBook II applications to be viewed with a Web browser. You should be aware of what Java is capable of, although the specifics of programming a Java applet are not necessary if you use the right authoring tool. Or send one of your staff off to authoring school.
What is Adobe Acrobat? Do I need to use it?
Acrobat is used when existing documents need to be displayed on screen or downloaded in the same format as they appear on paper. Acrobat saves the graphics and font files along with the text of the document so that it always looks exactly the same on the screen no matter where or how it is viewed. Government agencies use Acrobat for electronic versions of reports and papers because they need to make references to specific page numbers. You can use Acrobat to reproduce existing company documents if they need to look the same on the screen as they do on the page. An Acrobat file can also have hyperlinks within and between documents. Be aware that HTML has similar functionality and is often easier to use.